My Homecare (Dundee) Ltd

Job Purpose:

To implement care plans by directly providing practical, physical, social, and emotional care in clients' own homes. To create a supportive atmosphere in which clients can achieve maximum independence, while following My Homecare’s policies and procedures.

As a Support Worker, you must be sensitive and responsive to the race, culture, religion, age, disability, gender, and sexuality of the clients receiving care and their representatives.

Responsibilities

The Support Worker Will:

• Look after the physical, emotional, cultural, and social needs of the client, using a person-centred approach.
• Observe and promote the client’s choice, independence, dignity, privacy, fulfilment, and other rights.
• Create and maintain good professional relationships with clients, their family, friends, and other stakeholders.
• Actively support other support workers.
• Adhere to all regulatory and statutory obligations and My Homecare’s policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Actively market My Homecare and promote a positive, personal, and professional profile, ensuring the good reputation of My Homecare at all times.

Accountable To:

Line Manager and Management Team, My Homecare (Dundee), Castlecroft Business Centre, Tom Johnston Road, Dundee, DD4 8XD.

Introduction

Our domiciliary care services provide care and support to individuals or families in their own homes. This service is required due to infirmity, illness, incapacity, or social problems preventing clients from undertaking their self-care duties.

Our aim is to promote and prolong independence in our clients’ homes. While our primary client base is elderly individuals, we also care for clients aged 18 and over.

We provide personal care and support, as well as assistance with domestic duties in the client's home. Care work is a career, and our support workers receive practical training as well as opportunities to study for Certificates and Diplomas in Care.

Minimum Requirements

• Basic academic qualifications preferred.
• Previous experience in care is preferable but not essential (full training provided).
• SVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care or willingness to work towards this qualification.

Job Hours

• Flexible, depending on business needs.
• Part-time and full-time hours available.
• Evening and weekend work required.
• Sleepovers, waking night-shift, and live-in care positions may be available upon request.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Care Provision:

• Provide personal care and support to clients with various needs, illnesses, and disabilities.
• Understand the care and support requirements of each client.
• Undertake tasks detailed in the client’s Personal Support Plan using a person-centred approach.
• Encourage independence and motivation while avoiding fostering dependent behaviour.
• Provide input into care and support plans, giving feedback to the Care Coordinator or Manager.
• Assist clients with morning and bedtime routines.
• Help clients with washing, bathing, and showering, including using bath aids where applicable.
• Assist with dressing and undressing.
• Support clients in looking after their skin, teeth, hair, and nails, including shaving assistance.
• Assist with toileting, continence management, and personal hygiene, including catheter and Urosheath care.
• Provide stoma care, including emptying colostomy bags.
• Support clients with medication, as per the agreed Personal Support Plan.
• Prepare food and drinks, considering the client’s dietary needs, cultural requirements, and preferences.
• Assist with light household duties, including housework and laundry, as outlined in the Personal Support Plan.
• Safely and correctly use manual handling equipment.
• Take responsibility for the safe handling of property and equipment belonging to the client.
• Maintain good communication and effective working relationships with clients.
• Provide companionship, actively talking and listening to clients about their interests.
• Help clients maintain relationships with family and friends.
• Accompany clients on trips into the community.
• Assist clients in managing personal affairs.
• Ensure a safe living environment while respecting the client’s choices and rights.

Recording & Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of care, medication, and tasks undertaken.
• Regularly review and acknowledge changes in care and support plans.
• Protect client confidentiality and only share information with authorised individuals.
• Promptly report concerns about client care, well-being, or behaviour to the office or Out-of-Hours Care Coordinator.
• Continue monitoring concerns that have been reported and recorded.
• Recognise and immediately report signs of abuse or suspected abuse to the Manager.
• Report any complaints to the office or Out-of-Hours Care Coordinator.
• Contact the office if running late for a scheduled visit.

General Responsibilities:

• Dress appropriately, wearing the uniform and using personal protective equipment provided by My Homecare.
• Seek out best practices and innovative solutions to improve service quality and efficiency.
• Attend and participate in regular My Homecare meetings and any other relevant meetings.
• Complete in-house and external training as required for the Support Worker role.
• Observe Health and Safety regulations, promoting a safe environment for yourself and others.
• Ensure equal access to services and employment.
• Carry out any additional duties requested by Senior Management, such as shopping, ensuring all receipts are kept.
• Work within the 24-hour rota system, which includes Bank Holidays, weekends, and evenings.
• Be contactable via mobile phone to receive necessary client information.

Essential Requirement – Enhanced PVG Disclosure Check

Conditions:

• My Homecare requires an Enhanced PVG Disclosure before employment, which the company will apply for.
• Initial practical training will be paid at the usual rate unless the employee fails to commence employment at the agreed date.
• Offers of employment are subject to two written references, one of which must be from the most recent employer.
• Employees are entitled to 28 days’ paid annual leave.
• All posts are subject to a six-month probationary period.